A cold drizzle fell on the Southern Human Services Center in Orange County as the Veterans’ Day Memorial Celebration began on Monday. This year’s Veterans Day marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World War.

Many Orange County veterans were in attendance, including those who had served in Vietnam, Grenada and one veteran from World War II, retired Marine Major Everett “Bud” Hampton, who served in the Pacific Theater.

Orange County Commissioner Barry Jacobs spoke at the memorial. His father was a World War II veteran. To him, the sacrifice of those in the military comes with tremendous responsibility for those who memorialize their service.

“That means, when we salute our veterans for what they contribute, we must also respect their sacrifice by using it wisely, not for domestic political gain cloaked in the raiment of patriotism,” he said.

The event also provided a chance for the Veterans Memorial Fundraising Committee to give an update on the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

The memorial will sit on the eight-acre site next to the Human Services Center, off Homestead road in Chapel Hill. The design imagines extensive walkways, stone walls and a meadow to commemorate the service of Orange County residents.

To this point, $75,000 has been raised for the project. More details, and an opportunity to contribute, can be found here.

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